Feeding My Mother

Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives With Memory Loss

"Based on her hugely popular Facebook posts and Instagram photos, Feeding My Mother is a frank, funny, inspirational and piercingly honest account of the transformation in Jann Arden's life that has turned her into the primary "parent" to her mom, who is in the grip of Alzheimer's. Jann Arden moved in to a house just across the way from her parents in rural Alberta to be close to them but also so they could be her refuge from the demands of the music business and a performing career. Funny how time works. Since her dad died in 2015, Jann cooks for her mom five or six times a week. Her mom finds comfort in her daughter's kitchen, not just in the delicious food but also just sitting with her as she cooks. And Jann finds some peace in caring for her mom, even as her mom slowly becomes a stranger. "If you told me two years ago that I'd be here," Jann writes, "I wouldn't have believed it. And yet we still fall into so much laughter, feel so much insane gladness and joy. It's such a contrast from one minute to the next and it teaches me constantly: it makes me stronger and more humble and more empathetic and caring and kind." The many people who are dealing with a loved one who is losing it will find inspiration and strength in Jann's wholehearted, loving response and her totally Jann take on the upside-down world of a daughter mothering her mother. Feeding My Mother is one heck of an affirmation that life just keeps on keeping on, and a wonderful example of how you have to roll with it."-- Provided by publisher.

Opinion

From the critics

Community Activity

Comment

It was a cute little book, a very, easy, quick read. Interesting book format with her recipes sprinkled in based on cooking for her parents. It expresses very honestly, the angst that often beleaguers those who have parents suffering from dementia, poor health and alzheimer's.
Worth reading.

Practical, like her mom, Jann's heart-melting memoir about her experiences living with and caring for her parents as they age and forget; provides a guide to us on how to live the experience with patience and kindness.
JS

It's informative, funny, personnal and heart breaking. It would help and cheer anyone who is going through this type of trip with a parent or a mate. Jann's mother is a lucky woman and Jann is lucky daughter to have been brought by this incredible mother,

The book is very easy to read. Jann is a good writer. I am pleasantly surprised how inspiring the book is.

"It's just life being life and you've gotta embrace it all with your heart pounding away on your sleeve and a smile on your face... and don't forget to cry, because that'll get you through anything."

Having a mother with moderate dementia, I can truly relate to what Jann was going through. I was wondering how long she could keep her mum home. Heard couple days ago that she finally had to put mum in a care facility.

I loved this book. Laughter and tears and so much strength and determination from Jann and her parents. I feel as though I have had a personal visit with Jann Arden and her mom and dad. This book is so well done, with the pictures, the recipes and the stories. I can't wait to try your Shrimp Taco with Asian Coleslaw!

Another Arden masterpiece! Arden not only feeds her mother but feeds all the senses of her readers! This book is beautiful- wild Alberta landscapes, honest and soulful wisdom, simple yet yummy recipes!